PNG commends Fiji progress

PAPUA New Guinea has commended the progress made by Fiji towards the elections next year.

And PNG says it would continue to provide support in any way it can.

The assurance was given by PNG's acting high commissioner to Fiji, Hera Kevau, during PNG's 38th independence anniversary celebrations in Suva last week.

Ms Kevau said a positive outcome, which emanated from the recent bilateral visit to PNG by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, was the commitment from both sides on the establishment of a bilateral forum in which officials would be able to engage in fruitful discussions on bilateral issues of mutual interest.

"This will inevitably pave the way for enhanced engagement," she said.

"We will be able to review some of the existing arrangements as earlier alluded to and take heed of existing and new opportunities for the benefit of our people."

On the sub-regional front, Ms Kevau said the Melanesian Spearhead Group would remain a strong and growing regional body that would provide a catalyst for regional economic growth.

"We have proven worthy of this through the reduction of tariff rates on our goods and services as we opt for trade liberalisation.

"All in all, we believe that it is in the interest of all MSG members to dwell on bringing greater integration, economically, politically as MSG countries as these will inevitably provide for positive spill over effects for our people in this sub-region and the region as a whole."